My first visit to the Butlins Folk Event so I can't compare to previous years, but I thought that the sound mixing was quite poor with an over emphasis on bass notes which wasn't always appropriate. Also, it was a bit too loud for this die-hard old folkie. During the Melrose Quartets performance, Fagen's Bouzar became indistinguishable from a bass drum, which for me spoiled an otherwise brilliant performance. The Bellowhead concert was uncomfortable as it was oversubscribed with only the few who decided to stand at the front having a view. Caberet seating at a Bellowhead concert doesn't work and is possibly hazardous.
Having queued an hour in the cold on Saturday to ensure a seat with a view we were treated to a an hour and a quarter of overloud drivel from the DJ whilst the first act did their sound check. However it was worth the wait as Eddie Reader was superb
The highlight for me was the YoungUns who grabbed the audience early on and didn't once lose them. At one point during a longish tuning up period between songs you could have heard a pin drop as the audience sat, waiting quietly in expectation.
We paid a little extra for a meal upgrade and used the Yacht Club restaurant and weren't disappointed.